The Northerly Stakes is the big race at Ascot on Saturday as a capacity field competes for $1.5 million in prize money. Unbeaten WA Guineas winner King Of Light heads the field. Supporting the Group 1 feature is the Listed GA Towton Cup for the stayers over 2200 metres. The rail will be in the true position and there will be plenty of sunshine and 26 degrees forecast for the day, as they should be racing on a Good track.
Trent Orwin brings us his free preview and Ascot racing tips from Western Australia's metro meeting on Saturday. And don't forget to head to our racing tips page for racing coverage from all around the country this Saturday.
Ascot Racing Tips: Saturday, December 6th 2025
Race 6: Westspeed Platinum Series Final (1400m) – 3:03pm (6:03pm AEDT)
(9) Auto Cruise is a lightly raced four-year-old mare trained by Holly Taylor. She has had four starts for a win and three seconds – she was the widest runner at the top of the straight and let rip down the outside to narrowly miss behind Bartime. Jockey Clint Johnston-Porter will hopefully settle closer from gate three and if able to replicate last start’s run, should prove hard to hold out.
(7) Desert Dancing was second in her heat when beaten 1.17 lengths by Definite Beautiful. She has won twice from four when second up from a spell and Nash Rawiller jumps aboard. Expect her to be strong late.
(1) Bartime led throughout to beat Auto Cruise last time – draws the outside gate this time which means she will need to do some work in order to take up the running. That may be the difference between winning and losing this time as any early work will only benefit the key chances.
(9) Auto Cruise WIN
$3.20 (2 Units)
Race 9: TABtouch Northerly Stakes (1800m) – 5:00pm (8:00pm AEDT)
(1) Western Empire is third up from a spell following a fifth in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) and second in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) when beaten three-quarters of a length by Watch Me Rock. They now meet at equal weights, a 4kg swing from the Railway, and barrier six looks good. He is a winner over 1800m and was runner up in his only other attempt at the distance. The veteran is in form and victory would be well deserved for the $3.3 million earner.
(15) King Of Light is unbeaten after five career starts. Prepared by Daniel Morton, the three-year-old gelding is suited with just 52kg on his back, William Pike in the saddle, and three-year-olds having a good record in the race. He is going to most likely be midfield or worse and they will know he is in the race with his finishing burst. The $2.30 looks skinny so can’t take that but won’t be surprised if he does it easily and stamps himself as Perth’s next star.
(13) Vivy Air makes the trek over from Sydney where the five-year-old mare captured the $2 million Listed Five Diamonds (1800m). She was second to Gringotts in the Big Dance (1600m) and that horse has gone on to win The Gong (1600m). If she can get the right run, then she is going to be dangerous as her form east is terrific.
(1) Western Empire E/W
$9.00/$2.90 (1 Unit)
Race 10: Share Bets with TABtouch Bet Loop Handicap (1000m) – 5:42pm (8:42pm AEDT)
(9) Jaz Session is a model of consistency for trainer Justine Erkelens with the five-year-old mare racing 17 times for six wins and seven minor placings. Three runs this campaign have produced a third, second, and first in that order. Should be good speed early and that could be beneficial for Jaz Session’s chances to run them down.
(4) Richanco resumes following a winning patch in May where he won three straight before a fifth placing and spell. A trial win heading into this and he flies fresh – happy to have something on him too at good odds. The wide draw is a negative here, but he can acquit himself well.
(10) Black Ora is the favourite for Adam Durrant and four runs this prep have produced two wins and two thirds. Pike stays aboard and the mare rarely runs a bad race. Expect her to run a big race as she tries to turn the tables on Jaz Session from their recent encounter.
Also Backing: (4) Richanco WIN $11 (0.5 Units)
(9) Jaz Session WIN
$5.00 (1.5 Units)
